2011 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

Benefits of Driving a 2011 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

The Chevrolet Impala is a favorite with fleets, offering a roomy, conservative sedan design that's been kept updated with modern features and options. For interior space it's still one of the best vehicles in its class, with room in back for three adults and a front bench seat available. Chevrolet also claims that the Impala is unique in its segment with the ability to fold the backseat forward for large items. Ride comfort and overall quietness are also strengths. Across the line, the Impala offers a lot of features for the money.

What's new for 2011?

For 2011, Chevrolet's larger mid-size sedan gets FlexFuel capability for its standard V6, along with an extensive list of new standard equipment. On 1LT models, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is now included, while LS, LT and LTZ models now all include six months of OnStar with the Directions & Connections plan and Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Bodyside molding is now included on all except fleet models, and a newly available Luxury Package adds heated bucket seats, a folding rear seat, upgraded Bose audio with XM, a dimming rearview mirror, heated side mirrors and a rear spoiler.

Model Strengths

Comfortable ride

roomy interior

huge trunk and folding seatback

available front bench seat

lots of standard features for the money

Model Review

The Impala is a roomy, front-wheel-drive 4-door sedan that comes in LS, LT and LTZ models. LS and LT trims include a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 211 horsepower and is now FlexFuel-capable. LTZ models (optional on LT) get a 224-horse, 3.9-liter V6 that's also FlexFuel-capable. Either of these engines is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter engine has an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, which according to Chevrolet, allows a highway driving range of up to 500 miles.

2011 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

2011 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.